RN to Medical School?

[nursejaneRN]

I have always been interested in becoming an OB-GYN or possibly a NP in Woman's Health or even Midwifery - I'm flustered and all over the place. I graduated from nursing school last December 2010 but I have been having difficulty finding work (yep, still unemployed). I had a 3.6 GPA, I was in the student council all 3 years, I have my BSN, NRP, ACLS, blahblahblah all that. If anyone has gone through this route, can you please give me some advice on this option? I love the mother-baby population and I'm getting really discouraged with the economy and actually being able to find employment as a new grad RN.

Just a side note, I am not picky and I've been applying to states surrounding California since that is where I currently live.

Sincerely,

I Love Babies and I Love Nursing.

[anayo, DNP, APRN, NP]

My advise for you is to keep looking. I was in the same position and so were half of my class set. You might have to start at a skilled nursing Home or possible small subacute facility. Its a better to get experience than none. But these two are better options bcause hospitals will look at you better. It worked for so many of us. Another option is volunteering at a hospital e.g. the VA while working at one of the above listings. The VA hires volunteers quick. Don't wait for a hospital job. Start at anything. Then blessings will follow. You have start somewhere to gain your dream.

[CCRNDiva, BSN, RN]

I agree. OB is one of the hardest departments to get into, especially as a new grad. It's not that they have a problem with new grads, they just have some of the lower turnover rates in the hospital. Their departments are usually money makers for the hospital so they are usually better staffed = lower stress = lower turnover. So my advice to you is to get any experience you can as registered nurse. You could also supplement that by volunteering in a clinic to get further experience in women's health.

Good luck!!

[nursejaneRN]

Anayo: Thanks for the advice, I have been looking more heavily into volunteer opportunities in my area and in the units I am interested in as well. I have also been applying to anything I can get my hands on, I have been far from picky. Your post was helpful thank you.

[nursejaneRN]

CCRNDiva: I have been looking into OB volunteer opportunities and it's pretty insane.. there's an application, interview process, waiting list - OB is definitely very competitive. The environment really is far less stressful than other units I did my rotations at while I was in nursing school, and many RNs do in fact try to get into this field of nursing. I guess I'll continue my hunt for an RN position and maybe transfer into one of these mother baby units in the future. Thanks for the advice, it is much appreciated :)